When Ron was working at the temporary shelter last week he met a man named Joe. Joe is a warm and friendly individual, and he and Ron became friends quickly. As Ron got to know more about Joe, he learned that Joe is diabetic, and Ron was able to refer him to Harmony Health Clinic. Many of you know that Ron is an Americorp VISTA, and works at Harmony Health Clinic in Little Rock. Harmony Clinic provides free medical and dental services to the under-insured and uninsured in Central Arkansas.

Ron also learned that Joe is a proud man with an unusual situation. He owns a home and his home is heated with natural gas. Unfortunately he hasn’t been able to use his gas heat for over a year, due to a leak. The gas at his house has been turned off for over a year. Repairing the leak entails employing a plumber. Because he is unable to find work, paying utility bills, and buying food is challenging–paying a plumber is not even an option. Joe has been using an electric blanket to stay warm this winter. When the temperatures were in the single digits, an electric blanket simply wasn’t enough to stay warm, and so, Joe was a guest at the shelter.

Earlier today Ron learned that Joe’s electric bill was past-due and would be shut off today. Thankfully, the temperatures are not in the teens and an electric blanket is enough to keep him warm. Because many of you have donated at least $10, the $10/20 project had enough to cover the $160 electric bill. The phone call to the electric company took Ron less than 20 minutes. Isn’t it heartwarming to see how small donations make such a powerful impact?